US Navy memorial at Utah Beach unveiled

The new US Navy Memorial at Utah Beach

Sainte-Marie-Du-Mont, France – 27th September 2008

Following an energetic campaign supported by many prominent people, including
Tom Hanks, the valour of the US Navy has finally been commemorated with
an imposing 12 foot high bronze memorial at Utah Beach.
D Day and the subsequent liberation of Europe, relied heavily on the part
played by the US Navy, whose vast logistical operation landed thousands
of troops and hundreds of thousands of tons of vehicles and equipment
on Omaha and Utah beaches in June 1944.
The US Navy, until now, was the only service lacking a permanent memorial
in Normandy.
Uniformed American sailors and French citizens, joined by a handful of
Navy veterans, joined U.S. and French officials on Utah Beach for the
inauguration.

We are told locally that the famous café at Utah
Beach, visited by so many veterans and enthusiasts may be up for sale.

Author of “Doughboy to GI”, Ken Lewis was at the ceremony
and provided these pictures for MILWEB.